When I was in grade school, we went on a class field trip to a local dairy. We were supposed to meet at a certain place, at a certain time to get a tour of the dairy and see the cows and the milking.  

As Dad and I pulled up, we saw the kids all gathered and the cows out in the field. And instead of driving all the way around, my dad stopped and said, “Just get out, climb through the fence, and go join your group.” That required careful walking because of what was left in those fields that would cling to my shoes and pollute any other place I would visit that day. I had to walk carefully.

Pardon the homely analogy, but it takes me to a passage in Ephesians 5. “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (vv. 15-17).

To walk circumspectly carries the idea of walking with precision, placing your feet exactly in the right place on the path. When we were kids, our parents gave us instructions like, “Look both ways before you cross the street,” or “Take your time; don’t do something impulsively.” These instructions carry the same idea.

Redeem is a word that means “buy back” (v. 16). Buy back the time. I've often had people tell me, “I came to Christ late in life. I bemoan all the years wasted.”

It’s good to recognize those wasted years— but now redeem the time. Make the most of every opportunity. The word used here for time is the Greek word kairos, meaning make the time count, not count the time you have left. Do something that counts for eternity.

As C. T. Studd wrote, “Only one life, 'twill soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last.” When you think that way, you’re redeeming the time, because the days in which we live are evil, and getting darker and darker.

So, redeem the time and make the most of every opportunity. One way to do this is by filling your mind with God’s Word and seeking to understand His will.

As a pastor, one of the most common questions I’m asked is, “How can I discover the will of God?” I always appreciate the sincere desire to know His will.

The simple answer is: God’s will is found in Scripture. As you devote yourself to studying it, His purposes and desires will become clearer, because He reveals His will through His Word.

So many of life's difficulties will be solved when you submit your heart to the will of God. And when you’re ready and waiting, God will show you. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way” (Psalm 37:23).

God will direct you. Just have an open heart. You don't need a formula—just move, just walk. You'll run into it.

Stay in the Word and God will reveal His will to you.